Cross Brain ExercisesThe right and left sides of the brain focus on different skills which, when combined, enable individuals to be rational and spontaneous, analytical and creative. As with physical exercise, using both sides of your brain enables them to sharpen and coordinate. The process of learning, at any stage of life, stimulates nerve cells to form dendrites, linking knowledge and experience, which is a good thing!!

Here are a few exercises you can try to practice using both sides of your brain:

Figure 8sDraw a figure 8 in the air with your arms. When you use your non-dominant hand to draw the figure 8, it engages the creativity portions of the brain, making this variation a good warm-up for art or creative writing lessons. Drawing figure 8s with the dominant hand loosens up the muscles in the arm and wrist, and serves as a good preparation for writing essays. The figure 8s should be drawn in the air quickly and loosely.The second part of this exercise is to use both arms to draw a figure 8 in the air, but each arm should draw it in the opposite direction and simultaneously.Try spending about one minute doing this before beginning an activity.

Tap your head and pat your stomachWe all know this one from childhood. If not, place one hand on the top of your head and pat your head while simultaneously rubbing your stomach in a circular motion with the other hand.

Hand to noseAnother good one is to place your right hand on your nose and your left hand on top of your head. Bring both hands down and then swap hands – place your left hand on your nose and your right hand on top of your head. See how fast you can do this.

JugglingJuggling is a great brain balance activity because it requires strong motor skills and focus on objects that cross from one side of the body to another. See how many balls you are able to juggle..